foundersAustria

FoundersAustria is a non-profit organization and network that supports startup founders across Austria. It functions as a collaboration platform that connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, educational resources, and coworking spaces. The organization aims to strengthen the Austrian startup ecosystem by lowering barriers to early-stage growth and by enabling practical knowledge exchange.

Founded by a consortium of Austrian founders, researchers, and industry supporters, FoundersAustria operates chapters in major cities such as Vienna, Graz, and Linz and maintains online resources accessible nationwide.

Key activities include mentorship programs pairing first-time founders with experienced entrepreneurs, an accelerator track, regular founder meetups and speaker events, pitch nights, and a curated library of guides on topics ranging from product-market fit to fundraising and regulatory compliance.

Governance and funding: a volunteer board elects leadership; day-to-day operations are run by a small professional team. The organization is funded through member dues, sponsorships, grants, and partnerships with universities, business incubators, and industry networks.

Impact and reception: FoundersAustria reports hundreds of members and ongoing collaborations with investors, service providers, and potential co-founders. It is generally regarded as a valuable node in the Austrian startup ecosystem, though observers note that program outcomes can vary depending on participation and resources available.